Cheesecake Fudge: A Decadent Delight for Your Sweet Tooth
If you love rich, creamy desserts with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, Cheesecake Fudge is a treat you’ll adore. This no-bake dessert combines the delightful flavours of cheesecake with the smooth, velvety texture of fudge, making it the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. With a graham cracker base, creamy white chocolate centre, and the distinct taste of cheesecake, this dessert is simple to prepare and will quickly become a family favourite.
This cheesecake fudge is an ideal dessert for anyone looking for something rich and indulgent but easy to make. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a special occasion, or just need something sweet to satisfy your cravings, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Fudge
The best part about this cheesecake fudge is that it offers all the deliciousness of a classic cheesecake but in a more convenient and bite-sized form. The combination of smooth white chocolate, creamy marshmallow fluff, and tangy cheesecake flavour makes it a treat you won’t be able to stop eating. What truly sets this dessert apart is its contrast in textures—the soft, smooth fudge paired with the crunch of graham crackers gives you the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, just like a traditional cheesecake crust.
Another reason why this cheesecake fudge is a hit is that it’s easy to prepare with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a decadent dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. Plus, it requires no baking—simply refrigerate it for a few hours to let it set, and you’re done.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Fudge
To make this indulgent cheesecake fudge, you won’t need many ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and you’ll likely have them on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9 Graham Cracker squares – These crackers form the base of the fudge, providing the crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips – White chocolate adds a smooth, sweet flavour and forms the base of the fudge mixture.
- 1 tablespoon butter – Butter is used to help melt the chocolate and add richness to the fudge.
- Pinch of kosher salt – A small amount of salt enhances the flavour and balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – This adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavour to the fudge.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient for creating the creamy, rich consistency of the fudge.
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow Fluff – Marshmallow fluff helps make the fudge light and airy while maintaining its smooth texture.
- 1 (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix – The cheesecake pudding mix gives the fudge its signature tangy flavour, reminiscent of a classic cheesecake.
How to Make Cheesecake Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining a square (8×8” or 9×9”) baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure the fudge doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to remove once it’s set. Once the pan is lined, spray it lightly with cooking spray to help the parchment paper stay in place. Next, arrange the 9 graham cracker squares on the bottom of the pan. If necessary, trim the crackers to ensure they cover the entire base. The graham crackers form the crust of the fudge, giving it that familiar cheesecake flavour.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the 3 cups white chocolate chips, 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring often to prevent the mixture from burning. Continue to cook until the white chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
It’s important to stir constantly to ensure an even melt, resulting in a silky-smooth fudge mixture. Once the white chocolate chips have fully melted, the mixture should have a glossy texture.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Pudding Mix and Marshmallow Fluff
Once the white chocolate mixture is smooth, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the instant cheesecake pudding mix and stir until it dissolves completely. This will give the fudge its signature cheesecake flavour, making it taste just like a rich and tangy cheesecake filling. Turn off the heat and then add the 1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff. Stir the mixture well until the fluff is fully incorporated, and the fudge becomes light and smooth.
The marshmallow fluff will give the fudge a slight airiness, which makes it melt in your mouth and balances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture Over the Graham Crackers
Take the smooth fudge mixture and carefully pour it over the graham cracker base in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the fudge evenly across the graham crackers, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Don’t worry if the top looks slightly uneven; once it’s chilled, the fudge will firm up into a smooth, even surface.
Step 5: Refrigerate the Fudge
After you’ve poured the fudge mixture over the graham crackers, it’s time to let it set. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for about 3 hours. This will give the fudge plenty of time to firm up and set properly. It’s important to let it sit in the fridge for the full 3 hours to ensure that the fudge holds its shape when you cut it.
Step 6: Cut into Small Squares
Once the fudge has completely set, remove it from the fridge. Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into small squares. Since the fudge is rich and creamy, it’s best to cut it into small bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch squares, though you can adjust the size according to your preference.
How to Serve and Store Cheesecake Fudge
This cheesecake fudge is ideal for serving at parties, as a homemade gift, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require refrigeration once it’s set, making it perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
To store leftovers, simply keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, though it’s so delicious that it may not last that long!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesecake Fudge
- Use high-quality white chocolate: The white chocolate is one of the main flavours in this fudge, so using a good-quality chocolate will result in a smoother, richer fudge.
- Add extra toppings: If you want to get creative, consider topping the fudge with crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, or even some fresh fruit to give it an extra pop of flavour and texture.
- Make it ahead of time: Cheesecake fudge is perfect for making in advance. It stores well in the fridge and is ideal for busy occasions like holidays or parties.
- Experiment with flavours: While this recipe is for cheesecake fudge, you can experiment with different flavours of pudding, such as vanilla or even chocolate, to create variations of this treat.
FAQ About Cheesecake Fudge
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
While this recipe calls for white chocolate, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate. However, this will alter the flavour and texture, so the final result may differ from the traditional cheesecake flavour.
2. Can I make this fudge without marshmallow fluff?
Marshmallow fluff is key to giving the fudge a smooth, airy texture. If you don’t have fluff, you can substitute it with melted marshmallows or whipped cream, but the texture may not be as light.
3. Can I freeze cheesecake fudge?
Yes, you can freeze cheesecake fudge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
4. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 16 to 25 small squares, depending on how big you cut them. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
5. Can I use a different base instead of graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use other biscuits like digestive biscuits or shortbread for a slightly different flavour and texture.
6. How can I make the fudge firmer?
To make the fudge firmer, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly or let it chill for a longer period to set more firmly.
Cheesecake fudge is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the smooth, velvety consistency of fudge. It’s quick to make, requires no baking, and will be a hit at any gathering. With its creamy centre, crunchy graham cracker base, and tangy cheesecake flavour, this dessert is sure to become a family favourite. Enjoy making and sharing this indulgent treat!